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India, UK partner to develop unmanned aviation propulsion testing facility
The project will establish North India’s first test facility for hybrid propulsion systems and advanced aerial mobility technologies.
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IANS - Mon, 13, Apr 2026
- 04:04 EDT
- 16
Representative image / Gov.UK
The central government’s Technology Development Board (TDB) has entered into an agreement with Gurugram-based Casey Aviation Private Ltd. to develop an advanced hybrid propulsion-based jump takeoff (JTO) system to enhance the operational capabilities of unmanned and light aircraft platforms, an official statement said Monday.
The proposed solution integrates hybrid propulsion technologies to enable short or near-vertical takeoff capabilities for platforms such as gyrocopters and unmanned aerial systems.
The project also envisages the establishment of a dedicated test bench facility for validating rotorcraft propulsion systems, as critical infrastructure for testing and optimization of next-generation aerial mobility technologies, the statement from the Ministry of Science and Technology said.
It will be the first such propulsion testing facility in North India, providing validated testing infrastructure for startups and developers working in unmanned and advanced aerial mobility systems.
The government-run board has sanctioned a conditional grant for the project titled “Boost Electric Jump Takeoff (BE-JTO)” under the India-UK Collaborative R&D Programme for Industrial Sustainability, in partnership with UK-based ARC Aerosystems Ltd.
“By enabling reduced takeoff distances and improved operational flexibility, the technology is expected to support a wide range of applications, including regional connectivity, disaster response, medical evacuation, unmanned logistics and surveillance operations, particularly in remote and inaccessible regions,” the statement said.
Apart from in-house development support, broader ecosystem benefits will accrue from offering testing services and facilitating the commercialization of hybrid propulsion solutions.
Rajesh Kumar Pathak, secretary, TDB, said collaborative R&D initiatives under international programs are crucial in advancing cutting-edge technologies in strategic sectors.
He noted that innovations in hybrid propulsion and advanced takeoff systems can significantly enhance India’s capabilities in unmanned aviation and regional air mobility, while contributing to sustainable and efficient aviation solutions.
Casey Aviation Private Ltd., a newly established aerospace venture, designs and develops small aircraft and specialized aviation solutions.
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